The Evolution Of Idle Stop-Go Technology And Its Legal Standing

Idle reduction laws are a rapidly growing trend in the US, with 31 states and many municipalities implementing anti-idling regulations to curb the health and environmental hazards of vehicle emissions. While the specific laws vary, they generally limit how long a vehicle is allowed to idle while parked, stopped, or standing. For example, in Washington D.C., vehicles are not allowed to idle for more than three minutes and violators are issued a $500 fine for a first-time offence. These laws are a good start to reducing emissions, but they need to be enforced and paired with public education to be effective.

Anti-idling laws in the US

In the US, idle reduction is a rapidly growing trend in federal, state, local and fleet policy. Idling contributes significantly to the transportation sector's portion of yearly greenhouse gas emissions. The US Department of Energy is working to increase public awareness about decreasing petroleum use, with idle reduction being one of the methods.

The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center is a resource for information regarding idle-reduction methods such as fuel-operated heaters, auxiliary power units and truck stop electrification. The Department of Energy is also sponsoring several corporate companies in the research and development of new anti-idling technologies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has many ways to promote idle reduction. The EPA established the SmartWay Transport Partnership, which provides information about available anti-idling technologies, strategies for idle reduction, and resources for obtaining financing on anti-idling projects. The EPA also has a national campaign called the Clean School Bus Campaign, which works to reduce diesel fuel consumption in school buses across the nation.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), 31 states and the District of Columbia currently regulate how much time trucks can spend idling, although some of these laws are limited to specific counties or municipalities. Some of the laws are more strict and stringent than others. For example, Wyoming has made it illegal to idle an unattended vehicle outside business or residential areas. The penalty is a misdemeanour charge and a possible $750 fine. In Delaware, idling a vehicle over 8,500 pounds gross weight for longer than three minutes is prohibited, with violators subject to penalties of $50 up to $1,500 for subsequent violations.

In 2009, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation that reduced the amount of time non-emergency vehicles could idle near schools from three minutes to one minute. Civilians are allowed to report violations under the new law, and New York's Citizens Air Complaint Program allows citizens to report idling vehicles – and receive a share of the collected fine.

There are also 11 states that limit idling to 5 minutes for most vehicles, with various exceptions or limits. These include California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Vermont. Another four states limit idling time to 14 to 15 minutes: Illinois, South Carolina, Nevada, and West Virginia.

Idling laws in New York City

In New York City, the New York City Administrative Code, Title 24, Section 24-163, prohibits anyone from allowing a motor vehicle engine to idle for longer than three minutes while parking, standing, or stopping. The only exceptions to this rule are legally authorized emergency motor vehicles and vehicles whose engines are used to operate a loading, unloading, or processing device.

In 2009, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation that reduced the permitted idling time for non-emergency vehicles near schools from three minutes to one minute. This law also authorized the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Sanitation to enforce these regulations, in addition to the police department and the Department of Environmental Protection.

The law also allows civilians to report violations through the Citizens Air Complaint Program, where they can receive a portion of the collected fine. Under this program, a commercial truck or bus can be fined a minimum of $250 for idling for more than three minutes (or one minute in a school zone). Vehicle owners may be fined $250 or more, while the citizen who reports the idling receives $87.50 (or one-quarter of the issued fine). To file a complaint, a citizen must submit a time- and date-stamped video showing the vehicle continuously idling for more than three minutes, along with the license plate, company information, and a clear recording of the idling engine.

In addition to the city-specific regulations, New York State laws also address idle reduction. Heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds are prohibited from idling for more than five consecutive minutes when not in motion, with certain exceptions, such as idling due to traffic conditions, maintaining temperatures for passenger comfort, or providing auxiliary power. School bus drivers are required to turn off their engines while boarding and deboarding passengers on school grounds or near a school, except when necessary for mechanical work, temperature control, or emergency evacuations.

Idling laws in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, idling laws are a response to the city's air pollution problem. In June 2019, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz proposed a motion to ban cars from idling when parked for more than one or two minutes. Koretz described parked vehicle idling as "an unnecessary and inefficient habit that increases air and climate pollution, increases consumption and demand for harmful fossil fuels, and also wastes money." The motion was referred to the council's Transportation Committee for further review.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that ending personal vehicle idling would be the equivalent of taking 5 million vehicles off the road across the nation. According to the department, idling personal vehicles waste approximately 3 billion gallons of fuel and produce about 30 million tons of CO2 annually. In addition to the environmental impact, idling also has economic implications, as it increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs for drivers.

Los Angeles has been ranked as the most ozone-polluted city in the United States by the American Lung Association in its 2019 State of Air report. The report highlighted the city's severe air pollution problem, which is partly attributed to vehicle emissions. Vehicle emissions contain pollutants that contribute to asthma, heart disease, and other serious health issues. The smell from idling engines can also cause headaches and nausea.

While the proposed idling ban in Los Angeles is not yet law, California already has rules that limit how long diesel trucks can idle. Most trucks are permitted to idle for up to 5 minutes. To enforce these rules, residents can report idling trucks by visiting the CARB website or calling the California Air Resources Board.

The idling laws in Los Angeles are part of a broader trend in the United States to reduce idling and its negative impacts on the environment and public health. Thirty-one states have implemented anti-idling regulations, with California having the most codes and regulations. Cities like New York have also implemented strict idling laws, with residents being incentivized to report violations.

Idling laws in Washington D.C

In Washington D.C., vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel are not allowed to idle for more than three minutes while parked, stopped, or standing. This rule does not apply to private non-commercial passenger vehicles. When temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, vehicles may idle for no more than five minutes. Engines may also idle when necessary for the operation of power takeoff equipment, such as dumping beds, cement mixers, refrigeration systems, content delivery equipment, winches, or shredders.

The first-time violation of this law will result in a civil infraction ticket for $500. The fine for subsequent violations is $1,000.

To assist in improving air quality, Washington D.C. has initiated a Community Engine Idling Enforcement Pilot Program. This program allows community members to report violations of the engine idling regulations using the District of Columbia 311 Mobile App (DC311 App).

The benefits of idle reduction include savings in fuel and maintenance costs, extending vehicle life, and reducing damaging emissions. An idling engine only consumes enough power to keep itself and its accessories running, producing no usable power for the drive train.

Idling laws in the UK

Idling refers to leaving a vehicle's engine running while it is stationary. This is often due to everyday traffic, but it is not always necessary. For example, waiting for children outside schools or sitting in total gridlock are instances when idling can be avoided.

The Law

In the UK, idling is addressed by Rule 123 of The Highway Code. This states that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.

The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002 also cover idling. This legislation states that it is an offence to idle your engine unnecessarily when stationary. If a driver fails to turn off their engine after being spoken to, they may be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Enforcement

Some local authorities charge a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for emission offences and stationary idling. There is potential for the fine to increase to £801. However, it's important to note that fines are only imposed if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authorised person.

Benefits of Not Idling

Avoiding idling has several benefits:

• Savings in fuel and maintenance costs
• Extending vehicle life
• Reducing damaging emissions
• Improving air quality
• Reducing fuel costs
• Reducing the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma attacks

Idling Myths

No. Turning off an engine and restarting it after a minute or two (or longer) causes less pollution than keeping the engine idling and uses less fuel.

No. Modern batteries need less engine running time.

It can take up to an hour for an engine to cool down. Turning off your engine, but keeping the ignition and the fan blowing will provide warm air for some time. If you are concerned about passenger comfort, keep the engine idling to an absolute minimum in warm and cold weather.

Yes, but an idling engine does not keep a catalytic converter warm. They retain their heat for about 25 minutes after an engine is switched off anyway.

Frequently asked questions